Oxazolidinone antimicrobials containing substituted diazine moieties

ABSTRACT

A compound of structural Formula I:   &lt;IMAGE&gt;  +TRthereof wherein: each n is independently 1 to 3; Y is chosen from a-n as defined herein; wherein each occurrence of said C1-6 alkyl may be substituted with one or more F, Cl, Br, I, OR1, CO2R1, CN, SR1, or R1 (where R1 is a hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl); X and Z are independently C1-6 alkyl, C3-12 cycloalkyl or hydrogen, or X and Z form a C0-3 bridging group, preferably X and Z are hydrogen; U, V and W are independently C1-6 alkyl, F, Cl, Br, hydrogen or a C1-6 alkyl substituted with one or more of F, Cl, Br or I, preferably U and V are F and W is hydrogen; R is hydrogen, C1-12 alkyl, C3-12 cycloalkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 alkyl substituted with one or more F, Cl, Br, I or OH; and q is 0 to 4 inclusive. Oxazolidinone derivatives possessing a substituted diazine moiety bonded to the N-aryl ring are useful antimicrobial agents, effective against a number of human and veterinary pathogens, including multiply-resistant staphylococci and streptococci, as well as anaerobic organisms such as bacteroides and clostridia species, and acid-fast organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT/US93/03570, filed Apr.21, 1993, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 07/880,432,filed May 8, 1992, abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention discloses oxazolidinone derivatives possessing asubstituted diazine moiety bonded to an N-aryl ring. The compounds areuseful antimicrobial agents, effective against a number of human andveterinary pathogens, including multiply-resistant staphylococci andstreptococci, as well as anaerobic organisms such as bacteroides andclostridia species, and acid-fast organisms such as Mycobacteriumtuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium. The compounds are particularlyuseful because they are effective against the latter organisms which areknown to be responsible for infection in persons with AIDS.

INFORMATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

PCT/US89/03548 application discloses5'indolinyl-5β-amidomethyloxazolidinones, 3-(fused-ringsubstituted)phenyl-5β-amidomethyloxazolidinones, and 3-(nitrogensubstituted)-phenyl-5β-amidomethyloxazolidinones which are useful asantibacterial agents.

Other references disclosing various oxazolidinones include U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,801,600, 4,921,869, Gregory W. A., et al., J. Med. Chem., 32,1673-81 (1989); Gregory W. A., et al., J. Med. Chem., 33, 2569-78(1990); Wang C., et al., Tetrahedron, 45, 1323-26 (1989); and Brittelli,et al., J. Med. Chem., 35, 1156 (1992).

European Patent Publication 352,781 discloses phenyl and pyridylsubstituted phenyl oxazolidinones.

European Patent Publication 316,594 discloses 3-substituted styryloxazolidinones.

European Patent Publication 312,000 discloses phenylmethyl andpyridinylmethyl substituted phenyl oxazolidinones.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the subject invention is a compound of structural FormulaI: ##STR2## or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein: each nis independently 1 to 3;

Y is a) -hydrogen,

b) --C₁₋₆ alkyl, benzyl or -aryl,

c) --OH, --O--C₁₋₆ alkyl, --O-vinyl, --O-phenyl, --O--C(O)--C₁₋₆ alkyl,--O--C(O)-phenyl (phenyl can be substituted with one to three F, Cl,--OCH₃, --OH, NH₂ or C₁₋₄ alkyl) or --O--C(O)--O--CH₃,

d) --S--C₁₋₆ alkyl,

e) --SO₂ --C₁₋₆ alkyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-toluenesulfonyl, --SO₂ --N(R³)₂(where R³ is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl or phenyl which can besubstituted with one to three F, Cl, OCH₃, OH, NH₂, or --C₁₋₄ alkyl),

f) --C(O)--C₁₋₆ alkyl, benzoyl, 2-benzyloxyethoxycarbonyl,benzyloxycarbonyl, --C(O)--O--C₁₋₆ alkyl, --C(O)--N(R³)₂,--C(O)--CH(R⁴)N(R³)₂, or --C(O)--CH(R⁴)NH--C(NH)--NH₂ where (R⁴ is anamino acid side chain),

g) --N(R³)₂, pyridyl, --N(CH₂)_(m) (where m is 2-6 and forms a cyclicstructure with the nitrogen atom and where one or more carbon atoms canbe replaced with S, O or NR³), or ##STR3## (where R⁵ is OH, OCH₃, CH₂OH, CH₂ OCH₃, CO₂ CH₃ or CO₂ C₂ H₅),

h) --C(CH₃)--N--OR, ##STR4## (where R⁶ is CH₃ or hydrogen), ##STR5##(where R⁷ is CH₂ or C(O) and R⁸ is --H or ═O), ##STR6## (where p is 1 or2), ##STR7## (where R⁷ is O, S, S(O), SO₂, CH₂, NH, NCH₃, NC₂ H₅, NCHO,NCOCH₃ or NCO₂ CH₃);

wherein each occurrence of said C₁₋₆ alkyl may be substituted with oneor more F, Cl, Br, I, OR¹, CO₂ R¹, CN, SR¹, or R¹ (where R¹ is ahydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl);

X and Z are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl or hydrogen, or Xand Z form a C₀₋₃ bridging group, preferably X and Z are hydrogen;

U, V and W are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, F, Cl, Br, hydrogen or a C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more of F, Cl, Br or I, preferably U and Vare F and W is hydrogen;

R is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkylsubstituted with one or more F, Cl, Br, I or OH; and

q is 0 to 4 inclusive.

Preferably, in the above Formula I, U and V are F and W is hydrogen; orU is F and V and W is hydrogen. Preferred forms of Y are selected fromthe group consisting of H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, benzyl,phenyl, pyridyl, acetyl, difluoroacetyl, hydroxyacetyl, benzoyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxy carbonyl, 2-chloroethoxy carbonyl, 2-hydroxyethoxycarbonyl, 2-benzyloxyethoxy carbonyl, 2-methoxyethoxy carbonyl,2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy carbonyl, cyanomethyl, 2-cyanoethyl,carbomethoxymethyl, 2-carbomethoxyethyl, 2-fluoroethoxy carbonyl,benzyloxy carbonyl, tertary-butoxy carbonyl, methyl sulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl or paratoluenesulfonyl, more preferred, are methoxy carbonyl orcyanomethyl. Also preferred is where R is methyl, H, methoxy, or CHCl₂and n is one. It is also preferred that the compounds of Formula I areoptically pure enantiomers having the S- configuration at C5 of theoxazolidinone ring.

Preferred compounds of the subject invention are

(a)4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester;

(b)4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, ethyl ester;

(c)4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazlidinyl)phenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester;

(d)N-((2-oxo-3-(4-(4-(phenylcarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)acetamide;

(e)N-((3-(4-(3-Fluoro-4-(4-(2-Cyanoethyl)-1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide;

(f)N-((3-(4-(3-Fluoro-4-(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)carbonyl-1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide;

(g)N-((3-(4-(3-Fluoro-4-((phenylcarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide;

(h)4-[4-[5-[(acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 2-methoxyethyl ester;

(i)4-[4-[5(acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazineacetonitrile;

(j)(+/-)-N-[[3-[4-[4-(1,4-Dioxopentyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl)-acetamide;

(k)(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide;or

(l)(S)-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide.

More preferred are compounds(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-[4-(hydroxyacetyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide(where n=1, q=0, U, X, W and Z are hydrogen, V is fluorine, R is methyland Y is hydroxyacetyl); (a)4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester; and

(i)4-[4-[5(acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazineacetonitrile.

In another aspect, the subject invention is directed toward a method fortreating microbial infections in warm blooded animals by administeringto a warm blooded animal in need thereof an effective amount of acompound of Formula I as described above. Preferably, the compound isadministered in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 100 mg/kg of bodyweight/day, more preferably, from about 3.0 to about 50 mg/kg of bodyweight/day.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses diazinyl oxazolidinones of structuralFormula I as defined above. The compounds are useful antimicrobialagents, effective against a number of human and veterinary pathogens,including multiply-resistant staphylococci and streptococci, as well asanaerobic organisms such as bacteroides and clostridia species, andacid-fast bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacteriumavium.

With respect to the above definition, C₁₋₆ or C₁₋₁₂ alkyl is methyl,ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, etc. and isomeric forms thereof.

Cycloalkyl are three to twelve carbon atoms forming cyclopropyl,cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, etc. and isomeric forms thereof.

Alkoxy are one to six carbons attached to an oxygen forming such groupsas methoxy, ethyloxy, butyloxy, etc. and isomeric forms thereof. Furtherin some instances, groups are described as an alkoxy carbonyl which arenamed in the compound's nomenclature as an alkyl-ester (such as, methoxycarbonyl and methyl ester).

Aryl is defined as a phenyl, pyridyl or napthyl moiety which can beoptionally substituted with one or more F, Cl, Br, I, OR¹, CO₂ R¹, CN,SR¹, or R¹ (where R¹ is a hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl).

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts means salts useful for administeringthe compounds of this invention and include hydrochloride, hydrobromide,hydroiodide, sulfate, phosphate, acetate, propionate, lactate, mesylate,maleate, malate, succinate, tartrate, citric acid, 2-hydroxyethylsulfonate, fumarate and the like. These salts may be in hydrated form.

Ring A may be 6-8 atoms in size, and in the larger rings may have eithertwo or three carbons between each nitrogen atom, for example: ##STR8##

In the larger ring cases, the ring may be bridged to form a bicyclicsystem as shown in the examples below: ##STR9##

When ring A is 6 atoms in size, then the ring may be optionallysubstituted at positions X and Z with alkyl groups, cycloalkyl groups,fluoro groups, or bridging alkyl groups, as shown in the followingexamples below: ##STR10##

In addition to the above examples, the alternative bicyclic system shownbelow would also serve as another example: ##STR11##

Ring B, in addition to being unsubstituted, can be substituted with oneor more halogen atoms in the series fluorine, chlorine or bromine. Thus,the groups U, V, and W on ring B can be independently either hydrogenatoms or halogen atoms in a variety of substitution patterns.

The group Y on the nitrogen atom of ring A can be introduced by standardsynthetic methods (described later) from commercially availablereagents. Preferably, Y is selected from the group consisting of H,methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, benzyl, phenyl, pyridyl, acetyl,difluoroacetyl, hydroxyacetyl, benzoyl, methoxy carbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, 2-chloroethoxy carbonyl, 2-hydroxyethoxy carbonyl,2-benzoloxyethoxy carbonyl, 2-methoxyethoxy carbonyl,2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy carbonyl, cyanomethyl, 2-cyanoethyl,carbomethoxymethyl, 2-carbomethoxyethyl, 2-fluoroethoxy carbonyl,benzyloxy carbonyl, tertary-butoxy carbonyl, methyl sulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl or para-toluenesulfonyl, more preferred, are methoxy carbonylor cyanomethyl.

The R substituent is preferably methyl, but may be H, methoxy, or CHCl₂.

The most preferred compounds of the series would be prepared as theoptically pure enantiomers having the (S)-configuration at C5 of theoxazolidinone ring.

Optically pure material could be obtained either by one of a number ofasymmetric syntheses or alternatively by resolution from a racemicmixture by selective crystallization of a salt from, for example,intermediate amine 12 (as described in Example 1 and shown in Scheme 1)with an appropriate optically active acid such as dibenzoyl tartrate or10-camphorsulfonic acid, followed by treatment with base to afford theoptically pure amine.

Another route for the preparation of optically pure material would takea different route from those described in the Schemes. Treatment ofcommercially available 3-fluorophenylisocyanate with commerciallyavailable (R)-glycidyl butyrate under the conditions of Herweh andKauffmann (Tetrahedron Letters 1971, 809) would afford the correspondingoxazolidinone in optically pure form with the requisite(S)-configuration at the 5-position of the oxazolidinone ring. Removalof the butyrate group by treatment with potassium carbonate in methanolor sodium methoxide in methanol would give the corresponding alcoholwhich would be derivatized by standard methods as the mesylate followedby displacement with sodium azide to give the azidomethyl oxazolidinone.Reduction of the azide by hydrogenation followed by acylation of theresultant amine by treatment with acetic anhydride and pyridine wouldafford the key optically active acetylaminomethyl oxazolidinone. Withthe acetylaminomethyl oxazolidinone in hand, elaboration of thepiperazine moiety would be necessary. Nitration of thefluorooxazolidinone derivative would proceed giving predominantly thenitro group in the position para- to the nitrogen atom of theoxazolidinone ring, and ortho- to the ring fluorine atom. Reduction ofthe nitro group by hydrogenation would afford the corresponding anilinederivative which upon treatment with bis(2-chloroethyl)aminehydrochloride in the presence of potassium carbonate in refluxingdiglyme would afford the optically active piperazine derivativeN-((3-(4-(3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl))phenyl-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide(22) which can be used to prepare several of the examples in thisdisclosure.

These compounds are useful for treatment of microbial infections inhumans and other warm blooded animals, under both parenteral and oraladministration. Of the Formula I compounds,4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester (23) and4-[4-[5(acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazineacetonitrileare most active, and therefore preferred. These are examples of generalformula I where ring A is the piperazine moiety.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be prepared bycombining the compounds of Formula I of this invention with a solid orliquid pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and, optionally, withpharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants and excipients employing standardand conventional techniques. Solid form compositions include powders,tablets, dispersible granules, capsules, cachets and suppositories. Asolid carrier can be at least one substance which may also function as adiluent, flavoring agent, solubilizer, lubricant, suspending agent,binder, tablet disintegrating agent, and encapsulating agent. Inertsolid carriers include magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc,sugar, lactose, pectin, dextrin, starch, gelatin, cellulosic materials,low melting wax, cocoa butter, and the like. Liquid form compositionsinclude solutions, suspensions and emulsions. For example, there may beprovided solutions of the compounds of this invention dissolved in waterand water-propylene glycol and water-polyethylene glycol systems,optionally containing suitable conventional coloring agents, flavoringagents, stabilizers and thickening agents.

Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition is provided employingconventional techniques in unit dosage form containing effective orappropriate amounts of the active component, that is, the compound ofFormula I according to this invention.

The quantity of active component, that is the compound of Formula Iaccording to this invention, in the pharmaceutical composition and unitdosage form thereof may be varied or adjusted widely depending upon theparticular application, the potency of the particular compound, thedesired concentration. Generally, the quantity of active component willrange between 0.5% to 90% by weight of the composition.

In therapeutic use for treating, or combatting, bacterial infections inwarm-blooded animals, the compounds or pharmaceutical compositionsthereof will be administered orally and/or parenterally at a dosage toobtain and maintain a concentration, that is, an amount, or blood-levelof active component in the animal undergoing treatment which will beantibacterially effective. Generally, such antibacterially effectiveamount of dosage of active component will be in the range of about 0.1to about 100, more preferably about 3.0 to about 50 mg/kg of bodyweight/day. It is to be understood that the dosages may vary dependingupon the requirements of the patient, the severity of the bacterialinfection being treated, and the particular compound being used. Also,it is to be understood that the initial dosage administered may beincreased beyond the above upper level in order to rapidly achieve thedesired blood-level or the initial dosage may be smaller than theoptimum and the daily dosage may be progressively increased during thecourse of treatment depending on the particular situation. If desired,the daily dose may also be divided into multiple doses foradministration, e.g., two to four times per day.

The compounds of Formula I according to this invention are administeredparenterally, i.e., by injection, for example, by intravenous injectionor by other parenteral routes of administration. Pharmaceuticalcompositions for parenteral administration will generally contain apharmaceutically acceptable amount of the compound according to FormulaI as a soluble salt (acid addition salt or base salt) dissolved in apharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier such as, for example,water-for-injection and a buffer to provide a suitably buffered isotonicsolution, for example, having a pH of about 3.5-6. Suitable bufferingagents include, for example, trisodium orthophosphate, sodiumbicarbonate, sodium citrate, N-methylglucamine, L(+)-lysine andL(+)-arginine to name but a few representative buffering agents. Thecompound according to Formula I generally will be dissolved in thecarrier in an amount sufficient to provide a pharmaceutically acceptableinjectable concentration in the range of about 1 mg/ml to about 400mg/ml of solution. The resulting liquid pharmaceutical composition willbe administered so as to obtain the above-mentioned antibacteriallyeffective amount of dosage. The compounds of Formula I according to thisinvention are advantageously administered orally in solid and liquiddosage forms.

Antimicrobial activity was tested in vivo using the Murine Assayprocedure. Groups of female mice (six mice of 18-20 grams each) wereinjected intraperitoneally with bacteria which were thawed just prior touse and suspended in brain heart infusion with 4% brewers yeast(Staphylococcus aureus) or brain heart infusion (Streptococcus species).Antibiotic treatment at six dose levels per drug was administered onehour and five hours after infection by either oral intubation orsubcutaneous routes. Survival was observed daily for six days. ED₅₀values based on mortality ratios were calculated using probit analysis.The subject compounds were compared against well-known antimicrobial ascontrols. The data are shown in Table 1.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        In Vivo Activity of Examples 1-5                                                                             Control, ED.sub.50,                            Organism                                                                              UC #     ED.sub.50, PO (mg/kg)                                                                       SC (mg/kg)                                     ______________________________________                                        S. aureus                                                                             9213     Example 1 1.8   Vancomycin                                                                             1.8                                                  Example 3 10.4  Vancomycin                                                                             1.8                                                  Example 5 10.0  Vancomycin                                                                             4.2                                                  Example 6 12.0  Vancomycin                                                                             2.5                                                  Example 7 12.0  Vancomycin                                                                             0.9                                                  Example 10                                                                              9.4   Vancomycin                                                                             1.9                                                  Example 36                                                                              7.9   Vancomycin                                                                             1.7                                                  Example 37                                                                              12.6  Vancomycin                                                                             1.9                                 S. aureus                                                                             9271     Example 1 4.0   Vancomycin                                                                             5.9                                 S. aureus                                                                             6685     Example 1 4.0   Ciprofloxacin                                                                          6.6                                 S. pyogenes                                                                            152     Example 1 2.3   Clindamycin                                                                            2.6                                 ______________________________________                                    

In Table 1 the compounds of each of the Examples shown are as follows:

EXAMPLE 1:4-(4-(5-((Acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester (23);

EXAMPLE 3:4-(4-(5-((Acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester;

EXAMPLE 5:N-((3-(4-(3-Fluoro-4-(4-(2-Cyanoethyl)-1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide;

EXAMPLE 6:4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester;

EXAMPLE 7:N-((3-(4-(3-Fluoro-4-((phenylcarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide;

EXAMPLE 10:(+/-)-N-[[3-[4-[4-(1,4-Dioxopentyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl)-acetamide;

EXAMPLE 36:(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide;and

EXAMPLE 37:(S)-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide.

The general method for the synthesis of4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester (23) and4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, ethyl ester (24) is described in Example 1 and 2, respectively, aswell as being structurally represented in Schemes 1 and 2, below. (Thecompounds used are identified by chemical name followed by a numeraldesignation from the Schemes for simplicity.) Commercially availabledifluoronitrobenzene (2) is treated with excess piperazine to afforddisplacement product 3. After protection as the tert-butoxy carbonyl(BOC) derivative affording 4, reduction of the nitro group with theammonium formate-Pd/C reagent system afforded aniline derivative 5.Protection of 5 afforded benzyloxy carbonyl (CBZ) derivative 6 which wasallylated as shown to produce 7. Osmylation of 7 using the method ofKelly and VanRheenen, Tetrahedron Letters, 1973 (1976), gave diol 8which cyclized upon treatment with potassium carbonate in refluxingacetonitrile to afford oxazolidinone 9. Mesylation of 9 under classicalconditions afforded mesylate 10 which undergoes smooth displacement withsodium azide to form azide 11. Reduction of azide 11 by hydrogenationover Pd/C gave amine 12 which was acylated in situ with acetic anhydrideand pyridine to afforded BOC-protected oxazolidinone intermediate4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester (21).

Deprotection with trifluoroacetic acid afforded the key intermediate foranalog preparation,N-((3-(4-(3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide(22). Treatment of (22) with either methyl chloroformate or ethylchloroformate under preferably Schotten-Baumann conditions (NaHCO₃/acetone-water) afforded4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester (23) and4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, ethyl ester (24), respectively.

Although the route explained above and described in Example 1 can beused to prepare all of the subject compounds, a less efficient route maybe used to prepare intermediates leading to other of the subjectcompounds such asN-((2-oxo-3-(4-(4-((phenylcarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-5-oxazolidinyl)methylacetamide (20) and4-(4-(5((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester (19). For instance, diol 13, prepared from piperazineand p-fluoronitrobenzene in a manner identical to that described fordiol 8 in Scheme I, is treated with one equivalent of either mesylchloride or tosyl chloride to afford the mono-derivatized material 14,along with unchanged starting material and bis-derivatized material.After chromatographic isolation of mesylate 14a or tosylate 14b,treatment of either material with sodium azide afforded the azidoalcohol 15. Treatment of 15 with base effected cyclization to afford theoxazolidinone 16, which in turn can be converted to acetamide derivative17 by the one-pot reduction-acylation procedure described in Example 1.As shown, solvolytic deprotection of 17 affordedN-((2-oxo-3-(4-(1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide(18), which can then be acylated to form the two non-fluorinatedanalogs,4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester (19) andN-((2-oxo-3-(4-(4-(phenylcarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide(20).

Preparation of analogs of4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester (23) and4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, ethyl ester (24) can be envisioned simply by substitution of othercyclic amines for piperazine, other nitrobenzene derivatives for 2, orby treatment ofN-((3-(4-(3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide(22) (or its analogs) with other acylating or alkylating agents.

EXAMPLE 14-(4-(5-((Acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester (23)

(a) Preparation of 1-(2-Fluoro-4-nitrophenyl)piperazine (3):

A solution of 12.0 g (75.42 mmol) of 3,4-difluoronitrobenzene (2) in 150mL of acetonitrile was treated with 16.24 g (188.6 mmol) of piperazine,followed by warming at reflux for 3 hours. The solution was cooled toambient temperature and was concentrated in vacuo. The residue wasdiluted with 200 mL of water and was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×250mL). The combined organic layers were extracted with water (200 mL) andsaturated NaCl solution (200 mL), followed by drying (Na₂ SO₄). Thesolution was concentrated in vacuo to afford an orange oil which waschromatographed over 450 g of 230-400 mesh silica gel eluting initiallywith dichloromethane until the least polar fractions had eluted and thenelution was continued with 2% (v/v) methanol-chloroform and then with10% (v/v) methanol-chloroform. These procedures afforded 13.83 g (81%)of the desired piperazine derivative 3, mp=68.5°-71° C.

(b) Preparation of1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-4-(2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl)piperazine (4):

A solution of 12.0 g (53.29 mmol) of nitro derivative 3 in 110 mLtetrahydrofuran was treated dropwise with a solution of 14.53 g (66.61mmol) of di-tert-butyldicarbonate in 110 mL of tetrahydrofuran. Afteraddition, the solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 24 hours.The solution was concentrated in vacuo and the residue waschromatographed over 450 g of 230-400 mesh silica gel during with 20%(v/v) ethyl acetate in hexane, 30% (v/v) ethyl acetate in hexane andfinally with 50% (v/v) ethyl acetate in hexane. These proceduresafforded 16.6 g (96%) of BOC derivative 4 as a yellow solid,mp=151°-153.5° C.

(c) Preparation of1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-4-(2-fluoro-4-aminophenyl)piperazine (5):

A solution of 1.73 g (5.32 mmol) of nitro compound 4 in 30 mL methanoland 20 mL tetrahydrofuran and 10 mL ethyl acetate was treated with 1.68g (26.59 mmol) of ammonium formate and 200 mg of 10% palladium oncarbon. Gas evolution became immediately apparent, and subsided afterca. 30 minutes. The mixture was stirred overnight and was then filteredthrough celite, washing the filter cake with methanol. The filtrate wasconcentrated in vacuo, dissolved in 50 mL ethyl acetate and extractedwith water (2×30 mL) and saturated NaCl solution (30 mL). Drying (Na₂SO₄) and concentration in vacuo afforded 1.6 g (ca. 100%) of amine 5 asa brown solid, sufficiently pure for use in the next step.

(d) Preparation of1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-4-(2-fluoro-4-benzyloxycarbonylamino)piperazine(6):

A solution of 1.57 g (5.32 mmol) of amine 5 and 806 mg (0.84 mL, 6.65mmol) of dimethylaniline in 25 mL of tetrahydrofuran at -20° C. wastreated dropwise with 1.0 g (0.84 mL, 5.85 mmol) of benzylchloroformate. The solution was stirred at -20° C. for 30 minutes,followed by warming to ambient temperature. The mixture was diluted with125 mL ethyl acetate and was extracted with water (2×50 mL) andsaturated NaCl solution (50 mL). Drying (Na₂ SO₄) and concentration invacuo afforded and inhomogeneous material which was adsorbed on silicagel and chromatographed over 115 g of 230-400 mesh silica gel, elutingwith 18% (v/v) ethyl acetate in hexane and then with 25% (v/v) ethylacetate in hexane, and finally with 30% (v/v) ethyl acetate in hexane.These procedures afforded 1.15 g (50%) of the CBZ derivative 6 as awhite solid, mp=150°-153° C.

(e) Preparation of1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-4-(2-fluoro-4-benzyloxycarbonylallylamino)piperazine (7):

A solution of 1.15 g (2.68 mmol) of the CBZ derivative 6 in 10.2 mLdimethylformamide was treated portionwise with 77 mg (129 mg of 60% inoil, 3.21 mmol) of sodium hydride followed by stirring at ambienttemperature for 20 minutes. The solution was treated with 356 mg (0.26mL, 2.95 mmol) of allyl bromide followed by stirring at ambienttemperature for 18 hours. The solution was cautiously treated with 75 mLwater and was extracted with diethyl ether (3×100 mL). The combinedorganic layers were extracted with saturated sodium chloride solution(100 mL) and dried (Na₂ SO₄). Concentration in vacuo afforded aninhomogeneous material which was dissolved in dichloromethane and dried(Na₂ SO₄). Concentration in vacuo afforded an amber oil which waschromatographed over 60 g 230-400 mesh silica gel eluting with 25% (v/v)ethyl acetate in hexane. These procedures afforded 1.12 g (90%) of theallyl derivative 7 as an oil.

(f) Preparation of1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-[2-fluoro-4-benzyloxycarbonyl(2,3-dihydroxyprop-1-yl)aminophenyl]piperazine(8):

A solution of 2.18 g (4.64 mmol) of allyl compound 7 and 3.26 g (27.86mmol) of N-methylmorpholine N-oxide in 21 mL acetone and 6.4 mL waterwas treated with 5 mL of a 2.5% (w/v) solution of osmium tetroxide intert-butyl alcohol. The resulting solution was stirred at ambienttemperature for 24 hours. The solution was cooled to 0° C. and 25 mL ofsaturated NaHSO₃ solution was added, followed by stirring at 0° C. for15 minutes and then warming to ambient temperature for 2 hours. Themixture was diluted with 50 mL water and 50 mL saturated NaCl solution,followed by extraction with ethyl acetate (5×100 mL). The combinedorganic layers were dried (Na₂ SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to afforda brown oil. This material was chromatographed over 150 g of 230-400mesh silica gel, eluting with 10% (v/v) methanol in chloroform. Theseprocedures afforded 2.0 g (86%) of the diol 8 as an off-whitehygroscopic rigid foam.

(g) Preparation of3-[3-fluoro-4-(4-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl]-5-hydroxymethyl-2-oxazolidinone(9):

A solution of 2.0 g (4.01 mmol) of diol 8 in 20 mL acetonitrile wastreated with 1.1 g (8.02 mmol) of potassium carbonate followed bywarming at reflux for 3 hours. The solution was cooled and concentratedin vacuo. The residue was dissolved in 100 mL ethyl acetate and theresulting solution was extracted with water (2×50 mL) and with saturatedNaCl solution (50 mL). Drying (Na₂ SO₄) and concentration in vacuoafforded an oil which was chromatographed over 80 g of 230-400 meshsilica gel eluting with 20% (v/v) acetone in dichloromethane. Theseprocedures afforded 1.6 g (100%) of oxazolidinone 9 as a white solid,mp=144°-146.5° C.

(h) Preparation of3-[3-Fluoro-4-(4-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl]-5-methanesulfonyloxymethyl-2-oxazolidinone(10):

A solution of 375 mg (0.95 mmol) of oxazolidinone 9 and 144 mg (0.20 mL,1.42 mmol) triethylamine in 3.8 mL dichloromethane at 0° C. was treateddropwise with 130 mg (0.09 mL, 1.14 mmol) of methanesulfonyl chloridefollowed by stirring at 0° C. for 1 hour. The solution was diluted with30 mL dichloromethane and was extracted with water (2×25 mL) and withsaturated NaHCO₃ (25 mL). Drying (Na₂ SO₄) and concentration in vacuoafforded 440 mg (98%) of mesylate 10 as a white solid, sufficiently purefor use in the next step.

(i) Preparation of3-[3-Fluoro-4-(4-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl]-5-azidomethyl-2-oxazolidinone(11):

A solution of 440 mg (0.93 mmol) of mesylate 10 in 22 mL acetone wastreated with a solution of 604 mg (9.29 mmol) of sodium azide in 6.4 mLwater. The mixture was warmed at reflux for 18 hours. The mixture wascooled and a solution of 600 mg of sodium azide in 6 mL water was addedfollowed by warming at reflux for an additional 18 hours. The mixturewas cooled and a solution of 1.2 g of sodium azide in 12 mL water wasadded followed by warming at reflux for 24 hours. The mixture was cooledand diluted with 60 mL water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×75).The combined organic layers were extracted with 100 mL saturated NaClsolution followed by drying (Na₂ SO₄). Concentration in vacuo afforded358 mg (92%) of azide 11 as a white solid, mp=130.5° C.-132.5° C.,sufficiently pure for use in the next step.

(j) Preparation of3-(3-Fluoro-4-(4-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl)-5-aminomethyl-2-oxazolidinone(12) and3-[3-fluoro-4-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl]-5-acetylaminomethyl-2-oxazolidinone(21):

A solution of 1.42 g (3.38 mmol) of the azide 11 in 200 mL ethyl acetatewas treated with 400 mg of 10% Palladium on carbon followed byhydrogenation at atmospheric pressure for 48 hours. The resulting ethylacetate solution of 12 was treated with 1.34 g (1.37 mL, 16.9 mmol) ofpyridine and 870 mg (0.80 mL, 8.5 mmol) of acetic anhydride followed bystirring at ambient temperature for 48 hours. The solution was treatedwith 1.37 mL pyridine and 0.8 mL acetic anhydride followed by stirringat ambient temperature for another 48 hours. The solution was filteredthrough celite, washing the filter cake with ethyl acetate. The filtratewas washed with water (4×50 mL), 1.0M CuSO₄ solution (50 mL), and againwith water (50 mL). Drying (Na₂ SO₄) and concentration in vacuo affordeda foam which was diluted with dichloromethane and stirred for 1 hourwith saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The mixture was extracted withdichloromethane and the combined organic layers were dried (Na₂ SO₄) andconcentrated in vacuo to afford an amber oil which was chromatographedover 74 g of 230-400 mesh silica gel, eluting with 2% (v/v) methanol indichloromethane and then with 5% (v/v) methanol in dichloromethane.These procedures afforded 1.19 g (81%) of3-(3-fluoro-4-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl)-5-acetylaminomethyl-2-oxazolidinone(21) as a rigid off-white foam, mp=162°-164° C.

(k) Preparation ofN-((3-(4-(3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide(22):

A solution of 1.19 g (2.73 mmol) of BOC derivative3-(3-fluoro-4-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl)-5-acetylaminomethyl-2-oxazolidinone(21) in 40 mL dichloromethane at 0° C. was treated with 15 mLtrifluoroacetic acid. The solution was stirred at 0° C. for 30 minutesfollowed by warming to ambient temperature, at which point the reactionwas complete. The solution was concentrated in vacuo and the residue wasdiluted with ethyl acetate and saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The aqueouslayer was extracted with ethyl acetate, and it became evident that alarge part of the product remained in the aqueous layer. The aqueouslayer was adjusted to pH 14 by addition of 50% NaOH solution. Extractionwith ethyl acetate followed by drying (Na₂ SO₄) and concentration invacuo afforded 179 mg of an amber oil. This material was subjected toradial chromatography on a 2 mm plate eluting with 10% (v/v) methanol inchloroform and then with 15% (v/v) methanol in chloroform. Theseprocedures afforded 125 mg (79%) ofN-((3-(4-(3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide(22) as an off-white rigid foam.

(l) Preparation of4-(4-(5-((Acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester (23):

A solution of 120 mg (0.36 mmol) ofN-((3-(4-(3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamideand 60 mg (0.71 mmol) of solid NaHCO₃ in 1.5 mL acetone and 0.7 mL waterat 0° C. was treated with 37 mg (30 μL, 0.39 mmol) of methylchloroformate. The solution was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour, followed bydilution with 20 mL water. The mixture was extracted with 30 mL ethylacetate and the organic layer was then extracted with water (2×10 mL)and saturated NaHCO₃ (10 mL). The solution was then dried (Na₂ SO₄) andconcentrated in vacuo to afford 95 mg of crude product. This materialwas subjected to radial chromatography using a 2 mm plate eluting with33% (v/v) acetone in dichloromethane and then with 50% (v/v) acetone indichloromethane. These procedures afforded 81 mg (57% ) of4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester (23) as a white solid, mp=177°-179° C.

EXAMPLE 24-(4-(5-((Acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, ethyl ester (24)

The same procedure as followed in Example 1, steps a-k, were followed.Then a solution of 100 mg (0.30 mmol) ofN-((3-(4-(3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide(23) (the product from step k above) and 50 mg (0.59 mmol) of solidNaHCO₃ in 2 mL acetone and 1 mL water at 0° C. was treated with 35 mg(31 μL, 0.33 mmol) of ethyl chloroformate. The solution was stirred at0° C. for 2 hours, followed by warming to ambient temperature for 18hours. The solution was diluted with 30 mL water and was extracted with40 mL ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with 30 mL water and30 mL saturated NaHCO₃ solution. Drying (Na₂ SO₄) and concentration invacuo afforded a white solid. This material was subjected to radialchromatography on a 2 mm plate, eluting with 2% (v/v) methanol inchloroform. These procedures afforded 70 mg (58%) of4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, ethyl ester (24) as a white solid, mp=224°-226° C.

EXAMPLE 34-(4-(5-((Acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester

Following the procedure of Example 1 the subject compound was preparedby substituting 4-fluoronitrobenzene for the starting material3,4-difluoronitrobenzene (2).

EXAMPLE 4N-((2-Oxo-3-(4-(4-(benzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide

Following the procedure of Example 2 the subject compound was preparedby substituting 4-fluoronitrobenzene for the starting material3,4-difluoronitrobenzene (2).

EXAMPLE 5N-((3-(4-(3-Fluoro-4-(4-(2-Cyanoethyl)-1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolindinyl)methyl)-acetamide

A solution of 75 mg (0.22 mmol) ofN-((3-(4-(3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide(22) (Ex. 1, Part k.) in 5 mL methanol was treated with 13 mg (17 μL,0.25 mmol) of acrylonitrile followed by warming at reflux for 3 hours.The solution was cooled and concentrated in vacuo. The residue wassubjected to radial chromatography on a 4 mm plate eluting with 5% (v/v)methanol in chloroform. These procedures afforded 84 mg (97% ) of thedesired nitrile,N-((3-(4-(3-Fluoro-4-(4-(2-Cyanoethyl)-1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide,as a white solid, mp=125°-130° C.

EXAMPLE 64-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester

A solution of 208 mg (0.25 mmol) ofN-((3-(4-(3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide(22) (Ex. 1, Part k.) in 3 mL acetone and 2 mL water was treated with 21mg (0.25 mmol) of sodium bicarbonate followed by cooling to 0° C. Themixture was treated with a solution of 54 mg (0.25 mmol) of2-benzyloxyethyl chloroformate in 2 mL of acetone. The solution wasallowed to warm to ambient temperature over 22 hours, followed bydilution with 30 mL ethyl acetate and extraction with water (3×30 mL)and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (20 mL). The solution wasdried (Na₂ SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to afford a white solid. Thismaterial was subjected to radial chromatography on a 4 mm plate elutingwith 20% (v/v) acetone in dichloromethane. These procedures afforded 113mg (ca. 100% ) of the chloroformate,4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester, as a white solid, mp=121°-123° C. A solutionof this material in 5 ml methanol was treated with 35 mg 10% palladiumon carbon followed by hydrogenolysis at 1 atmosphere for 1 hour. Themixture was filtered through celite, washing the filter cake withmethanol. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford a whitesolid. This material was subjected to radial chromatography on a 2 mmplate, eluting with 5% (v/v) methanol in chloroform, and then with 10%(v/v) methanol in chloroform. These procedures afforded 76 mg (82%) ofthe hydroxyethyl chloroformate4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester as a white solid,mp=203°-206° C.

EXAMPLE 7N-((3-(4-(3-Fluoro-4-((benzoyl)-1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide

Following the procedure of Example 1, the subject compound, was preparedfrom 100 mg (0.297 mmol) ofN-((3-(4-(3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide(22) (Ex. 1, Part k.) substituting benzoyl chloride for the startingmaterial methyl chloroformate. These procedures afforded 73 mg (56%) ofN-((3-(4-(3-Fluoro-4-((phenylcarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamideas a fine white powder, mp=184°-187° C.

EXAMPLE 84-[4-[5-[(acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 2-methoxyethyl ester

A solution of 75 mg (0.22 mmol) of piperazine derivative 22 in 4 mLacetone and 2 mL water was treated with 21 mg (0.25 mmol) sodiumbicarbonate followed by cooling to 0° C. and addition of a solution of35 mg (0.25 mmol) of 2-methoxyethyl chloroformate in 0.5 mLtetrahydrofuran. The mixture was warmed to ambient temperature for 22hours. The mixture was diluted with 30 mL ethyl acetate and wasextracted with water (3×20 mL) and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution(20 mL). The combined aqueous layers were extracted with ethyl acetate(2×20 mL) and the combined organic layers were dried (Na₂ SO₄) andconcentrated in vacuo to afford a white solid. This material wassubjected to radial chromatography on a 4 mm plate eluting initiallywith 20% (v/v) acetone in dichloromethane and then with 30% (v/v)acetone in dichloromethane. These procedures afforded 92 mg (96%) of thedesired compound as a white solid.

EXAMPLE 94-[4-[5(acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazineacetonitrile

A solution of 75 mg (0.22 mmol) of piperazine derivative 22 in 4 mLacetone and 2 mL water was treated with 21 mg (0.25 mmol) sodiumbicarbonate, followed by cooling to 0° C. The mixture was treated with226 mg (190 μL, 3.0 mmol) of freshly distilled chloroacetonitrilefollowed by warming to ambient temperature for 60 hours. The solutionwas diluted with 35 mL ethyl acetate and extracted with water (3×20 mL)and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (20 mL). The combined aqueouslayers were extracted with ethyl acetate (3×20 mL) and the combinedorganic layers were dried (Na₂ SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to afforda white solid. This material was subjected to radial chromatography on a4 mm plate eluting with 5% (v/v) methanol in chloroform. Theseprocedures afforded 80 mg (96%) of the desired nitrile as a shiny whitesolid.

EXAMPLE 10(+/-)-N-[[3-[4-[4-(1,4-Dioxopentyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl)Acetamide (Y=MeCO(CH₂)₂ CO--, monoF, racemic)

The compound of Ex. 1(k), above, (0.104 g) was treated with 0.041 g oflevulinic acid, 0.083 g of1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide, and 0.005 g ofN,N-dimethylaminopyridine in 2 mL of pyridine, and the mixture stirredfor 2 days at 20° C. Following aqueous extractive workup using methylenechloride, 0.139 g of residue was obtained. This was purified usingmedium pressure liquid chromatography on silica gel, 5% methanol inethyl acetate (v/v), to give 0.118 g of a white solid, mp 148°-150° C.

EXAMPLE 11N-[[3-[4-[4-(1,4-Dioxopentyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3,5-difluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl)Acetamide, (S)--(Y=same as above, diF, optically active)

Using the same general procedure as in the above procedure to makeExample 10, but starting with the trifluoroacetate salt of piperazineU-99472, prepared as directly below, 0.291 g of the salt gave aftermedium pressure liquid chromatography followed by preparative TLC (1000μm, 20% acetone/methylene chloride, v/v) to give 0.103 g of a foamywhite solid, mp 52°-56° C.

EXAMPLE 12(+/-)-N-[[3-[4-[4-[(1-Oxo-6-oxa-7-phenyl)heptyl]-1-piperazinyl]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl)Acetamide (Y=PhCH₂ O(CH₂)₄ CO--)

Following the general procedure of above for Example 10, butsubstituting 5-benzyloxyvaleric acid (0.074 g) for the levulinic acid,0.101 g of the compound of Ex. 1k, above, gave after medium pressureliquid chromatography (10% methanol in ethyl acetate) 0.130 g of thetitle compound, tlc R_(f) =0.24 (10% methanol in ethyl acetate, v/v).

EXAMPLE 13(+/-)-N-[[3-[4-[4-(1-Oxo-5-hydroxypentyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl)Acetamide (Y=HO(CH₂)₄ CO--)

The compound of Example 12, (66 mg) was dissolved in 5 mL of methanol,and the flask evacuated and filled with nitrogen 3 times. To the mixturewas added 0.034 g of palladium black, and the flask evacuated and filledwith hydrogen from a balloon 3 times. The mixture was stirred underhydrogen for 3 hr, then filtered through diatomaceous earth and washedwith methanol, and the filtrate was evaporated. This residue wastriturated with chloroform and and a white solid precipitated, this wascollected to give the titled compound, tlc R_(f) =0.07 (10% methanol inethyl acetate, v/v), 171-172 C m.p.

EXAMPLE 14N-[[3-[3,5-Difluoro-4-[4-[5-R,S-methyl-[(1,3-dioxa-2-oxo)cyclopentyl]]]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]Acetamide,--(5S) (Y=cyclic carbonate, optically active at oxazolidinone, but hasracemate at cyclic carbonate, diF)

A BOC-piperazine, diF, optically active compound (0.094 g) was treatedwith 1.0 mL of trifluoroacetic acid in 1.5 mL of methylene chloride at0° C. for 50 min, then allowed to warm to 20° C., and the volatilesremoved in vacuo to give a red oil (trifluoroacetate of U-99472). Tothis was added 0.036 g of chloromethylethylene carbonate and 0.069 g ofpotassium carbonate in acetonitrile, and the mixture heatd at reflux forone day. The mixture was filtered and evaporated in vacuo to give ayellow oil. The residue was purified by medium pressure liquidchromatography on silica gel (gradient elution with 5%-10% methanol inmethylene chloride (v/v), followed by prepative TLC (7% methanol inmethylene chloride) to give 0.022 g of a white solid, mp 106°-111 ° C.

EXAMPLE 15N-[[3-[3,5-Difluoro-4-[4-(1-oxo-2-methoxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]Acetamide,(S)--(Y=MeOCH₂ CO-optically active, diF)

To a solution of the trifluoroacetate salt of piperazine (0.192 g) in 3mL of methylene chloride and 1.0 mL of triethylamine under nitrogen at0° C. was added 0.071 g of methoxyacetyl chloride. The mixture wasstirred at 0° C., then worked up by aqueous extraction using methylenechloride. The organic layer was dried (MgSO⁴) and concentrated to 5-10mL, and cooled, the solids were collected and recrystallized from ethylacetate to give 44 mg of a white solid, mp 239°-241° C.

EXAMPLE 16(+/-)-N-[[3-[4-[4-(N-carbobenzyloxy)-2-amino-1-oxo-ethyl)-1-piperazinyl]]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]Acetamide(Y=PhCH₂ O₂ CNHCH₂ CO-- racemic, monoF)

To the compound of Ex. 1k (0.115 g) was added 0.085 g ofN-carbobenzyloxyglycine in 4 mL of tetrahydrofuran and 2 mL of water,then the pH was adjusted to about 4 with the addition of 3N hydrochloricacid, the 0.203 g of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide wasadded. The mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 1 hr, then additional 0.101g of N-carbobenzyloxyglycine and 0.225 g of1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide were added, and the pJwas adjusted from 3 to between 4 and 5 with the addition of 2N sodiumhydroxide, and the mixture stirred overnight. After extractive aqueousworkup with ethyl acetate, the organic layers were concentrated and theresidue was purified by concentration from methylene chloride andmethanol, then trituration with methanol to give 0.042 mg of a whitesolid, mp=189°-191° C.

EXAMPLE 17(S)-N-[[3-[4-[4-(cyanomethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl-acetamide:(U-97665)

The following steps demostrate the preparation of a mono-F substitutedproduct of the invention.

(a)(S)-4-[4-[5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester (2):

A solution of 7.5g (17.5 mmol) of the CBz derivative 1 in 240 ml oftetrahydrofuran at -78° C. was treated with 12.0 mL (1.6M, 19.25 mmol)of n-butyllithium in hexane dropwise over ca. 3 min. The solution wasstirred at -78° C. for 30 min, followed by addition of 2.78 g (2.73 mL,19.25 mmol) of neat R-(-)-glycidyl butyrate dropwise over ca. 5 minfollowed by warming of the solution to 0° C. and then eventually toambient temperature for 18 h. The mixture was diluted withdichloromethane and extracted with water and saturated aqueous sodiumchloride solution. The organic layer was dried (Na₂ SO₄) andconcentrated in vacuo to afford a gummy residue. This material wasrecrystallized from hot ethyl acetate with some hexane added, to afford6.4 g (93%) of the desired product, mp 130.5°-133° C.

(b)(S)-4-[4-[5-(methanesulfonyloxymethyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester (3):

A solution of 2.88 g (7.28 mmol) of the alcohol 2 in 32 mLdichloromethane at 0° C. was treated with 1.29 g (1.77 mL, 12.7 mmol) oftriethylamine followed by addition of 1.04 g (0.70 mL, 9.10 mmol) ofmethanesulfonylchloride. The solution was stirred at 0° C. for 15 min,followed by dilution with dichloromethane and extraction with water. Thesolution was dried (Na₂ SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to afford 3.4 g(98%) of the mesylate 3 as a light pink solid (high resolution massspectrum: calcd for C²⁰ H²⁸ FN³ O⁷ S: 473.1632. found: 473.1631),sufficiently pure for use in the next step.

(c)(S)-4-[4-[5-(azidomethyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester (4):

A solution of the 16.8 g (35.5 mmol) of the mesylate 3 in 400 mL ofdimethylformamide was treated with 11.5 g (177.5 mmol) of sodium azidefollowed by warming at 60° C. for 16 h. The solution was diluted withethyl acetate and extracted with water. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to afford 14.9 g (100%) of the azide 4 asa light yellow solid, mp 101°-104° C., sufficiently pure for furtheruse.

(d)(S)-4-[4-[5-[(acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester (5):

A solution of 14.92 g (35.5 mmol) of the azide 4 in 2000 mL of ethylacetate was treated with 2 g of 10% palladium on carbon followed byhydrogenation at one atmosphere for 24 h. The flask was flushed withnitrogen, followed by sequential addition of 14.0 g (14.4 ml, 177.5mmol) of pyridine and 9.1 g (8.4 mL, 88.8 mmol) of acetic anhydride. Themixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 72 h, followed byfiltration through celite. The filtrate was extracted with water, 1Ncopper sulfate solution, dried and concentrated in vacuo to afford a tansolid. This material was purified by silica gel chromatography to afford12.7 g (82%) of the product 5 as a powdery white solid, mp 153°-159° C.

(e)(S)-N-[[3-[4-[3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl)]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazoldinyl]methyl]-acetamide:

35 mL of trifluoroacetic acid at 0° C. was treated with 5.0 g (11.46mmol) of the Boc-derivative followed by warming to ambient temperatureover 1 h. The solution was concentrated in vacuo to afford a residuewhich was dissolved in water and stirred with 125 mL of AG1-X8 (OH⁻form) ion exchange resin for 2.5 h. The resin was removed by filtration,washed with water, and the combined filtrates were freeze-dried toafford 2.7 g (69%) of the desired title compound as a white fluffysolid, mp 73°-76° C.

(f)(S)-N-[[3-[4-[4-(cyanomethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl-acetamide

A solution of 2.42 g (7.2 mmol) of the above compound (e) in 242 mLacetone and 74 mL water was cooled to 0° C. and treated with 1.20 g(14.4 mmol) of sodium bicarbonate, followed by addition of 26.2 g (22.0mL, 0.35 mol) of chloroacetonitrile. The solution was then warmed toambient temperature for 36 h. The mixture was then diluted with ethylacetate and extracted with water and saturated sodium chloride solution.Drying (Na₂ SO₄) and concentration in vacuo afforded and off-white solidwhich was purified by silica gel chromatography eluting with amethanol-chloroform solvent system. These procedures afforded 2.2 g(82%) of the title compound as a fluffy white solid, mp 166°-167° C.

EXAMPLE 18(S)-N-[[3-[4-[4-(cyanomethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3,5-difluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl-acetamide

Following the procedure for preparation of Example 17, substitutingdifluoro piperazine derivative((S)-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5-5oxazolidinyl]methyl-acetamide)for monofluoro derivative Ex. 17(e), the title compound was obtained asa white powder, mp 150°-154° C.

EXAMPLE 19(+)-N-[[3-[4-[4-(2-cyanoethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxalidinyl]methyl]-acetamide

A solution of 75mg (0.22 mmol) of a racemic of Ex. 17(e) in 5 mLmethanol was treated with 13 mg (17 μL, 0.25 mmol) of acrylonitrilefollowed by warming at reflux for 3 h. The solution was concentrated invacuo. The residue was subjected to radial chromatography eluting with5% (v/v) methanol in chloroform. These procedures afforded 84 mg (97%)of the title compound as a white solid, mp 125°-130° C.

EXAMPLE 20(+)-N-[[3-[4-[4-(2-cyano-2-propyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl-acetamide

A solution of 75 mg (0.22 mmol) of racemic Ex. 17(e) in 1 mL dryacetonitrile was treated sequentially with 5 mg (0.03 mmol) anhydrouszinc chloride, 26 mg (331 μL, 0.45 mmol) dry acetone, and 44 mg (591 μL,0.45 mmol) trimethylsilylcyanide. The solution was warmed at reflux for18 h, followed by dilution with ethyl acetate and extraction with water.Drying (Na₂ SO₄) and concentration in vacuo afforded a tan solid whichwas subjected to radial chromatography eluting with 5% (v/v) methanol indichloromethane. These procedures afforded 36 mg (40%) of the titlecompound as a white solid, mp 139°-143° C.

EXAMPLE 21(S)-N-[[3-[4-[4-(4-cyanotetrahydropyran-4-yl)-1-piperazinyl]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl-acetamide

A solution of 50 mg (0.15 mmol) of Ex. 17(e) in 2 mL dry acetonitrilewas treated sequentially with 3 mg (0.02 mmol) anhydrous zinc chloride,30 mg (281 μL, 0.30 mmol) tetrahydropyran-4-one, and 29 mg (40 μL, 0.30mmol) trimethylsilylcyanide. The solution was warmed at reflux for 30 h,followed by dilution with ethyl acetate and extraction with water.Drying (Na₂ SO₄) and concentration in vacuo afforded a light yellowsolid. This material was subjected to radial chromatography eluting witha methanol-dichloromethane solvent system. These procedures afforded 24mg (36%) of the title compound as a white solid, mp 134°-137° C.

EXAMPLE 22(±)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-(4-formyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]-Acetamide

A solution of 0.250 g (0.267 mmol) of racemice Ex. 17(e) in 4 mL THF and2 mL water was treated with 11 mg (91 μL, 0.243 mmol) of formic acid andadjusted to pH 4.5 using 0.1N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The mixture wasthen added at once to 153 mg (0.80 mmol) of1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride in 1 mLwater with stirring at ambient temperature and the mixture adjusted topH 4.5 using 2N sodium hydroxide and 0.1N hydrochloric acid. Afterstirring about 1 hour, additional carbodiimide (100 mg,0.53 mmol) andformic acid (30 mg,0.80 mmol) were added with stirring at ambienttemperature for 16 h. The mixture was diluted with water and extractedwith ethyl acetate. The organic layer was subsequently extracted withsaturated sodium bicarbonate and saturated sodium chloride solutions,dried (Na₂ SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to afford a white solid. Thismaterial was subjected to silica gel chromatography eluting with amethanol-methylene chloride system to afford 0.094 g (97%) of the titlecompound as a white solid, mp 190°-193.5° C.

EXAMPLE 23(S)-4-[4-[5-[(Acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidine)]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid methyl ester

A solution of Ex. 17(e) in 22 mL acetone and 11 mL water was treatedwith 150 mg (1.80 mmol) of sodium bicarbonate and cooled to 0° C.followed by addition of 0.170 g (0.14 mL, 1.80 mmol) of methylchloroformate. After 2 h, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate andextracted with water and saturated sodium chloride solution. Drying (Na₂SO₄) and concentration in vacuo afforded a white solid which waspurified by silica gel chromatography eluting with an acetone-methylenechloride system. These procedures afforded 0.494 g (77%) of the titlecompound as white solid, mp 179.5°-182° C.

EXAMPLE 24(S)-4-[4-[5-[(Acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidine)]-2,6-difluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid methyl ester

Following the procedure for preparation of Ex. 23, substitutingdifluoropiperazine 7 for Ex. 17(e), the title compound was obtained as awhite powder, mp 175°-178° C.

EXAMPLE 25(±)-N-[[3-[4-[3-fluoro-4-[(phenylcarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]-acetamide

Following the procedure for preparation of Ex. 23 (using racemic Ex.17(e), and substituting benzoyl chloride for methyl chloroformate, thetitle compound was obtained as a white powder, mp 184°-187° C.

EXAMPLE 26(±)-4-[4-[5-[(Acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidine)]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 2-methoxyethyl ester

A solution of 75 mg (0.22 mmol) of monofluropiperazine derivative Ex. 25in 4 mL acetone and 2 mL water was treated with 21 mg (0.25 mmol) ofsodium bicarbonate followed by cooling to 0° C. The solution was thetreated with a solution of 35 mg (0.25 mmol) of 2-methoxyethylchloroformate in 0.5 mL tetrahydrofuran. The solution was then warmed toambient temperature for 22 h. The solution was diluted with ethylacetate and extracted with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution,and saturated sodium chloride solution. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to afford a white solid. This materialwas subjected to radial chromatography eluting with an 30% (v/v)acetonedichloromethane. These procedures afforded 92 mg (96%) of thetitle compound as a white solid, mp 166°-167° C.

EXAMPLE 27(S)-4-[4-[5-[(Acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidine)]2,6-difluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 2-methoxyethyl ester

Following the procedure for the preparation of Ex. 26, substitutingdifluoropiperazine 7 for Ex. 17(e), the title compound was obtained as awhite solid, mp 154.5°-156° C.

EXAMPLE 28(±)-4-[4-[5-[(acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolinyl-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 2-(phenylmethoxy)ethyl ester

A solution of 208 mg (0.25 mmol) of Ex. 25 in 3 mL acetone and 2 mLwater was treated with 21 mg (0.25 mmol) of sodium bicarbonate followedby cooling to 0° C. The mixture was treated with a solution of 54 mg(0.25 mmol) of 2-(phenylmethoxy)ethyl chloroformate in 2 mL acetone. Thesolution was warmed to ambient temperature for 22 h, followed bydilution with ethyl acetate and extraction with water and saturatedsodium bicarbonate solution. Drying (Na₂ SO₄) and concentration in vacuoafforded a white solid which was subjected to radial chromatographyeluting with 20% (v/v) acetone in dichloromethane. These proceduresafforded 113 mg (100%) of the title compound as a white solid, mp121°-123° C.

EXAMPLE 29(S)-4-[4-[5-[(acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolinyl-2,6-difluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 2-(phenylmethoxy)ethyl ester

Following the procedure for preparation of Ex. 28, substitutingdifluoropiperazine 7 for Ex. 17(e), the title compound was obtained as awhite solid, mp 108°-110° C.

EXAMPLE 30(±)-4-[4-[5-[(acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolinyl-2,6-difluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester

A solution of 113 mg of Ex. 28 in 5 mL methanol was treated with 35 mg10% palladium on carbon followed by hydrogenation at atmosphericpressure for 1 h. The mixture was faltered through celite, washing thefilter cake with methanol. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo toafford a white solid. This material was purified by radialchromatography eluting with a methanol-chloroform solvent system. Theseprocedures afforded 76 mg (82%) of the title compound as a white solid,mp 203°-206° C.

EXAMPLE 31 [S-(R )]-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-[(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)carbonyl]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]-acetamide

A solution of 100 mg (0.28 mmol) of difluoropiperazine derivative((S)-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5-5oxazolidinyl]methyl-acetamide)and 144 mg (1.25 mmol) of (R)-2-tetrahydorfuranoic acid in 4 mLtetrahydrofuran and 2 mL water was adjusted to pH 4.5 by addition of 2NNaOH solution. This solution was treated with a solution of 324 mg (1.69mmol) of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride in2 mL water. The solution was then maintained at pH 4.6 by addition of 2NNaOH solution while stirring at ambient temperature for 1.5 h. Thesolution was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. Thecombined organic layers were dried (Na₂ SO₄) and concentrated in vacuoto afford a tan solid which was subjected to radial chromatographyeluting with a methanol-dichloromethane solvent system. These proceduresafforded 106 mg (83%) of the title compound amide as a white solid, mp198°-200° C.

EXAMPLE 32(S)-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethyl]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide

The following demonstrates the preparation steps fordifluorointermediates of the invention.

(a) 2,6-difluoro-4-nitrobenzene(trifluoromethane)sulfonate.

2,6-Difluoro-4-nitrophenol (31.55 g, 180.19 mmol) was combined with CH₂Cl₂ (300 mL) and pyridine (29.15 mL, 360.38 mmol). The resultant slurrywas cooled to 0° C. in an ice bath and then treated dropwise withtriflic anhydride (31.8 mL, 189.2 mmol) over a period of 45 minutes. Thereaction was allowed to stir at 0 ° C. for two hours and then it wasstored in the refrigerator (5° C.) overnight. The reaction wasdetermined to be complete by TLC (15% EtOAc/hexane, UV short wave). Thereaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and thentreated with both H₂ O (50 mL) and EtOAc (50 mL). This mixture wastransferred to a separatory funnel with more EtOAc (100 mL) and washedwith 1N HCl until the washings were acidic (2×100 mL). The aqueousphases were back-extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined EtOAcextracts were combined and then washed again with 1N HCl (400 mL) andonce with brine (400 mL). The organic phase was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and then concentrated to yield 54.092 g of a red-gold oil.Although the oil was pure by NMR, it was combined with crude productsfrom two other runs and chromatographed over silica gel (550 g) packedwith 5% EtOAc. Elution with 2 L each of 5% EtOAc and 10% EtOAc affordeda 95% overall yield of the title compound as a pale yellow oil with HRMS(M⁺) calcd for C₇ H₂ F₅ NO₅ S 306.9574, found 306.9590.

(b) 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(2,6-difluoro-4-nitrophenyl)piperazine.

A solution of 2,6-difluoro-4-nitrobenzene(trifluoromethane)sulfonate (55g, 179 mmol) in dry DMF (275 mL) was treated with1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazine (45.71 g, 250 mmol). The resultantclear yellow solution turned orange upon the addition ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine (47 mL, 269 mmol). The reaction was heated toreflux for 15 hours under N₂. The reaction was determined to be completeby TLC (30% EtOAc/hexane, UV short wave). The reaction mixture wasconcentrated to dryness and combined with the crude product of anotherreaction for purification. The crude material was dissolved in hot CH₂Cl₂ (420 mL; some solids unrelated to the product did not dissolve) andthen chromatographed on three separate columns (2 columns with 750 gsilica gel, packed with CH₂ Cl₂, loaded with 180 mL material, and elutedwith 1 L each of 1-5% EtOAc/CH₂ Cl₂ ; one column with 250 g silica gel,packed with CH₂ Cl₂, loaded with 60 mL compound, and eluted with 2.5 and5% EtOAc/CH₂ Cl₂) to give an 87% yield of the title compound as anorange solid with HRMS (M⁺) calcd for C₁₅ H₁₉ F₂ N₃ O₄ 343.1343, found343.1358.

(c)1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-[2,6-difluoro-4-(benzyloxycarbonyl)aminophenyl]piperazine.

The 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(2,6-difluoro-4-nitrophenyl)piperazine(44.7 g, 130 mmol) was dissolved in 20% THF/MeOH (600 mL) in a 2 Lflask. Ammonium formate (41 g, 651 mmol) was added portionwise, followedby 10% Pd-C (1.12 g, 2.5 weight %), with cooling in an ice bath. Whenthe addition was completed the ice bath was removed. The flask becameslightly warm, and the yellow color disappeared. The reaction was foundto be complete by TLC (30% EtOAc/hexane, UV short wave) in 1.5 hours.The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite (washing the filtercake with 500 mL MeOH). The filtrate was concentrated under reducedpressure to give a solid which was then treated with 1 L EtOAc and 500mL H₂ O. The layers were separated and then the organic layer was washedagain with H₂ O (500 mL) and once with brine (500 mL). The aqueousportions were back-extracted with more EtOAc (2×300 mL). The combinedorganic extracts were dried over anhydrous Na₂ SO₄, filtered andconcentrated to yield a yellow solid (40.8 g) which was immediatelydissolved in dry DMF (500 mL) and cooled to -20 ° C. (ice/MeOH bath)under N₂. The solution was treated with N,N-dimethylaniline (20.6 mL,163 mmol), followed by the dropwise addition of of benzyl chloroformate(21.5 mL, 143 mmol). The ice bath was allowed to dissipate overnight.The reaction was determined to be complete by TLC (30% EtOAc/hexane, UVshort wave). The mixture was concentrated down to a yellow oil,dissolved in 1 L of EtOAc, and washed with H₂ O (500 mL) and brine (500mL). The aqueous portions were back-extracted with more EtOAc (2×300mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous Na₂ SO₄,filtered and concentrated to yield a yellow solid. The crude materialwas recrystallized from hot EtOAc/hexane to afford 39.11 g (67%) of thetitle compound as a pale yellow crystalline solid with mp 171°-172° C.

(d)[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5oxazolidinyl]methanol.

The1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-[2,6-difluoro-4-(benzyloxycarbonyl)aminophenyl]piperazine(14.05 g, 31 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (150 mL) and then cooled to-78° C. (dry ice/acetone). The reaction was next treated with withn-BuLi (21.6 mL, 35 mmol) dropwise over a 25 minute period. The reactionwas allowed to stir at -78° C. for 30 minutes and then(R)-(-)-glycidylbutyrate (4.89 mL, 35 mmol) was added dropwise over 7minutes. The reaction was maintained at -78° C. for an additional 15minutes and then the bath was removed, allowing the reaction to slowlywarm up to room temperature overnight. The reaction was determined to becomplete by TLC (5% MeOH/CHCl₃, UV short wave). The reaction mixture wasdiluted with 500 mL CH₂ Cl₂ and then washed with both H₂ O (3×300 mL)and brine (300 mL). The aqueous portions were back-extracted with moreCH₂ Cl₂ (3×400 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give a creamy yellow solid. The crudesolid was purified by recrystallization from hot EtOAc/hexane to give11.063 g (85%) of the title compound as a white solid with mp 164°-166°C.

(e)[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]-p-toluenesulfonate.

The[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methanol(24.2 g, 59 mmol) was dissolved in pyridine (110 mL) and then cooled to0° C. (ice bath). Freshly recrystalized p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (13.4g, 70 mmol) of was added and the reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C.for 2.5 hours under N₂. The flask was then stoppered and stored in therefrigerator (5° C.) overnight. The reaction mixture became a pale pinkslurry. TLC revealed that some alcohol still remained. The reactionmixture was treated with additional p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (1.12 g,5.85 mmol), catalytic 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine, and 20 mL of dry CH₂Cl₂ to facilitate stirring. After 4 hours at 0° C., the reaction wasfound to be complete by TLC (5% MeOH/CH₂ Cl₃, UV short wave). Themixture was added to 750 mL ice water and the precipitated productisolated via suction filtration, washing it with both water (1 L) andether (500 mL). After drying in vacuo, 29.921 g (90%) of the titlecompound was obtained as white solid with mp 150.5°-151.5 ° C.

(f)[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]methanesulfonate.

The[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methanol(3.831 g, 9.27 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂ Cl₂ (40 mL), cooled to 0° C.,and treated with triethylamine (1.74 g, 2.4 mL, 17.22 mmol) under N₂.Methanesulfonyl chloride (1.48 g, 1 mL, 12.92 mmol) was slowly addedover 1 min. TLC analysis (20% acetone/CH₂ Cl₂) after 0.5 h revealed thereaction to be complete. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH₂ Cl₂(200 mL) and washed with water (3×50 mL) and brine (50 mL), dried overNa₂ SO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to furnish the titlecompound as an off-white solid with HRMS (M⁺) calcd for C₂₀ H₂₇ F₂ N₃ O₇S 491.1538, found 491.1543.

(g)[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]azide.

The[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]-p-toluenesulfonate(29.661 g, 52 mmol) was dissolved in dry DMF (125 mL) and then treatedwith solid NaN₃ (10.19 g, 156 mmol) at room temperature. The reactionwas heated to 60° C. for three hours and then allowed to cool to roomtemperature overnight under N₂. The reaction was found to be complete byTLC (30% EtOAc/hexane, run twice, UV short wave). The reaction mixturewas concentrated in vacuo to give a cream colored solid. The crudeproduct was dissolved in 600 mL EtOAc and then washed with both H₂ O(2×500 mL) and brine (500 mL). The aqueous portions were back-extractedwith more EtOAc (2×400 mL). The combined organic extracts were driedover Na₂ SO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield 22.41 g (91%)of the title compound as a pale yellow solid with mp 115°-117° C.

Employing essentially identical conditions, the corresponding mesylatewas converted to the same azide.

(h) N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide.

The[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]azide(22.4 g, 51 mmol) was dissolved in 1 L of EtOAc and then degassed threetimes with N₂. Next, 10% Pd-C (4.48 g, 20% by weight) was added and thesolution was degassed again three times (with N₂) before replacing theatmosphere with H₂ (balloon). After hours, the reaction was determinedto be complete by TLC (20% MeOH/CHCl₃, UV short wave). At this point,pyridine (8.25 mL, 102 mmol) was added, followed by treatment withacetic anhydride (9.54 mL, 102 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowedto stir overnight at room temperature. The reaction was found to becomplete by TLC (20% MeOH/CHCl₃, UV short wave). The reaction mixturewas filtered through celite (the filter cake was washed with 500 mLEtOAc), the filtrate concentrated down to approximately 600 mL, andwashed with H₂ O (2×500 mL) and brine (500 mL). The aqueous portionswere back-extracted with more EtOAc (2×500 mL). The combined organicextracts were dried over anhydrous Na₂ SO₄, filtered and concentrated togive a yellow solid. Recrystallization of the crude product from hotCHCl₃ and hexane afforded 19.157 g (83%) of the title compound as awhite solid with mp 177°-179° C.

(i)N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide.

TheN-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide(1.00 g, 2.20 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂ Cl₂ (6 mL) and cooled to 0° C.with an ice bath. Trifluoroacetic acid (20 mL) was added, the coolingbath removed, and the reaction mixture allowed to warm to ambienttemperature over 1 h. The reaction mixture was then concentrated invacuo and the residue dissolved in H₂ O (15 mL). The resultant solutionwas added to Bio Rad AG-1-X8 ion exchange resin (12 mL; OH⁻ form, washedwith H₂ O until neutral), additional H₂ O (5 mL) was added, and themixture stirred for 10 min. The mixture was then filtered and the resinwashed with additional H₂ O (3×5 mL). The aqueous filtrate waslyophilized to give 0.559 g (72%) of the title compound as a white solidwith mp 108°-112° C. (dec).

(j)(S)-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethyl]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide.

A mixture of(S)-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide(0.200 g, 0.565 mmol), 1-(2-chloroethyl)piperidine monohydrochloride(0.125 g, 0.678 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.478 g, 3.39 mmol) inacetonitrile (10 mL) was heated to reflux for 1.5 h. The reactionmixture was cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated in vacuo. Theresidue was triturated with dichloromethane, the solids filtered off,and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to furnish an off-white solid(0.248 g). This crude material was chromatographed over silica gel (5g), eluting with 5% and then 10% methanol/chloroform, to afford, afterconcentration of appropriate fractions, 0.137 g (52%) of the titlecompound as an off-white solid with mp 198°-200° C.

EXAMPLE 33(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethyl]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide

A mixture of(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide(0.200 g, 0.595 mmol), 1-(2-chloroethyl)piperidine monohydrochloride(0.131 g, 0.714 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.493 g, 3.57 mmol) inacetonitrile (12 mL) was heated to reflux for 1.0 h. The reactionmixture was cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated in vacuo. Theresidue was triturated with dichloromethane, the solids filtered off,and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to give the crude product (0.308g). This crude material was chromatographed over silica gel (5 g),eluting with 5% and then 10% methanol/chloroform, to afford, afterconcentration of appropriate fractions, 0.192 g (72%) of the titlecompound as an off-white solid with mp 169°-170° C.

EXAMPLE 34(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-[4-[2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide

A mixture of(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide(0.200 g, 0.595 mmol), 4-(2-chloroethyl)morpholine hydrochloride (0.133g, 0.714 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.493 g, 3.57 mmol) inacetonitrile (12 mL) was heated to reflux for 1.0 h. The reactionmixture was cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated in vacuo. Theresidue was triturated with dichloromethane, the solids filtered off,and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to give an amber gum (0.201 g).This crude material was chromatographed over silica gel (5 g), elutingwith 5% and then 10% methanol/chloroform, to afford, after concentrationof appropriate fractions, 0.129 g (48%) of the title compound as anoff-white solid with mp 150°-151.5° C.

EXAMPLE 35(S)-N-[[3-[4-[4-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-1-piperazinyl]-3-fluorophenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide

A mixture of(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide(0.200 g, 0.595 mmol), 2-diethylaminoethyl chloride hydrochloride (0.123g, 0.714 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.493 g, 3.57 mmol) inacetonitrile (12 mL) was heated to reflux for 1.0 h. The reactionmixture was cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated in vacuo. Theresidue was triturated with dichloromethane, the solids filtered off,and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to give an off-white gummy solid(0.241 g). This crude material was chromatographed over silica gel (5g), eluting with 5% and then 10% methanol/chloroform, to afford, afterconcentration of appropriate fractions, 0.159 g (61%) of the titlecompound as an off-white solid with mp 131°-133° C.

EXAMPLE 36(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide

A mixture of(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide(0.450 g, 1.34 mmol), 2-chloroethyl methyl ether (1.220 mL, 3.40 mmol)and potassium carbonate 1.110 g, 8.04 mmol) in acetonitrile (25 mL) washeated to reflux for 24 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to ambienttemperature and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was triturated withdichloromethane, the solids filtered off, and the filtrate concentratedin vacuo to give a yellow foamy solid (0.326 g). This crude material waschromatographed over silica gel (25 g), eluting with 1%, 3%, and then 5%methanol/chloroform, to afford, after concentration of appropriatefractions, 0.296 g (56%) of the title compound as an off-white solidwith mp 144.5°-146° C.

EXAMPLE 37(S)-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide

A solution of(S)-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide(0.200 g, 0.441 mmol) in dichloromethane (1 mL) was treated withtrifluoroacetic acid (4 mL) at room temperature for 1 h. The reactionmixture was concentrated in vacuo and the resultant residue combinedwith 2-chloroethyl methyl ether (403 μL, 4.41 mmol), potassium carbonate(0.730 g, 5.28 mmol), and acetonitrile (9 mL) and the mixture heated toreflux for 15 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperatureand concentrated in vacuo. The residue was triturated withdichloromethane, the solids filtered off, and the filtrate concentratedin vacuo to give the crude product. This crude material waschromatographed over silica gel (10 g), eluting with 1%, 3%, and then 5%methanol/chloroform, to afford, after concentration of appropriatefractions, 0.097 g (53%) of the title compound as an off-white solidwith mp 162°-164° C.

EXAMPLE 38(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-[4-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide

A mixture of(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide(0.200 g, 0.595 mmol), 3-chloro-1-propanol (299 μL, 3.57 mmol) andpotassium carbonate (0.493 g, 3.57 mmol) in acetonitrile (12 mL) washeated to reflux for 7 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to ambienttemperature and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was dissolvedin 10% methanol/chloroform and absorbed onto silica gel (2 g).Chromatography of this material over silica gel (10 g), eluting with 1%,3%, and then 6% methanol/chloroform, afforded, after concentration ofappropriate fractions, 0.096 g (41%) of the title compound as a whitesolid with mp 154°-155.5° C.

EXAMPLE 39(S)-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide

A solution of(S)-N-[[3-[3,5-difluoro-4-[4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide(0.400 g, 0.881 mmol) in dichloromethane (3 mL) was treated withtrifluoroacetic acid (7 mL) at room temperature for 1 h. The reactionmixture was concentrated in vacuo and the resultant amber syrup combinedwith 2-chloroethanol (354 μL, 5.27 mmol), potassium carbonate (0.730 g,5.27 mmol), and acetonitrile (20 mL) and the mixture heated to refluxfor 24 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature andconcentrated in vacuo. The crude product was chromatographed over silicagel (10 g), eluting with 1%, 3%, and then 6% methanol/chloroform, toafford, after concentration of appropriate fractions, 0.067 g (19%) ofthe title compound as an off-white solid with mp 172°-174° C.

EXAMPLE40S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-[4-[3-(4-morpholinyl)-1-oxopropyl]-1-piperazinyl]phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide

3-(4-Morpholinyl)propionic acid (0.600 g, 2.11 mmol), prepared bycondensation of morpholine with ethyl acrylate (3 equivalents) inrefluxing ethanol, followed by distillation, saponification (1N aqueoussodium hydroxide, tetrahydrofuran, reflux), neutralization (1N HCl) andlyophilization, was combined with 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.434 g,2.11 mmol), 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (13 mg, 0.11 mmol),(S)-N-[[3-[3-fluoro-4-(1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl]methyl]acetamide(0.354 g, 1.05 mmol), and 1:1 tetrahydrofuran/dichloromethane (50 mL) atroom temperature. After 3 days the reaction mixture was filtered toremove the precipitated 1,3-dicyclohexylurea and the filtrateconcentrated in vacuo. The crude product was chromatographed over silicagel (20 g), eluting with a gradient of 1-6% methanol/chloroform, to give0.446 g (95%) of the title compound as a white solid with mp 209°-210°C. ##STR12##

What is claimed:
 1. A compound of structural Formula I:orpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein: each n is 1; Y is a)--C(O)--C₁₋₆ alkyl, --C(O)--O--C₁₋₆ alkyl or benzoyl, b) --N(R³)₂ whereR³ is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl or phenyl which can besubstituted with one to three F, Cl, OCH₃, OH, NH₂, or C₁₋₄ alkyl, or##STR13## (where R⁷ is O, S, S(O), SO₂ or CH₂); wherein each occurrenceof said C₁₋₆ alkyl may be substituted with one or more F, Cl, Br, I,OR¹, CO₂ R¹, CN, SR¹, or R¹ (where R¹ is a hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl); Xand Z are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl or hydrogen; U, Vand W are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, F, Cl, Br, hydrogen or a C₁₋₆ alkylsubstituted with one or more of F, Cl, Br or I; R is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted with one ormore F, Cl, Br, I or OH; and q is 0 to 4 inclusive.
 2. The compound ofclaim 1 wherein X and Z are hydrogen.
 3. The compound of claim 1 whereinU and V are F and W is hydrogen.
 4. The compound of claim 1 wherein U isF and V and W are hydrogen.
 5. The compound of claim 1 wherein Y isacetyl, difluoroacetyl, hydroxyacetyl, benzoyl, methoxy carbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, 2-chloroethoxy carbonyl, 2-hydroxyethoxy carbonyl,2-methoxyethoxy carbonyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy carbonyl,carbomethoxymethyl, 2-carbomethoxyethyl, 2-fluoroethoxy carbonyl, ortertiary-butoxy carbonyl.
 6. The compound of claim 4 wherein Y ismethoxy carbonyl.
 7. The compound of claim 1 wherein R is methyl, H,methoxy, or CHCl₂.
 8. The compound of claim 1 which is an optically pureenantiomer having the S-configuration at C5 of the oxazolidinone ring.9. The compound of claim 1 which is:(a)4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester; (b)4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-2-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, ethyl ester; (c)4-(4-(5-((acetylamino)methyl)-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, methyl ester; (d)N-((3-(4-(3-Fluoro-4-(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)carbonyl-1-piperazinyl))phenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl)methyl)-acetamide;or (e)4-[4-[5-[(acetylamino)methyl]-2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl]-2-fluorophenyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylicacid, 2-methoxyethyl ester.
 10. A method for treating microbialinfections in warm blooded animals comprising:administering to a warmblooded animal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound ofFormula I ##STR14## or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereofwherein: each n is 1; Y is a) --C(O)--C₁₋₆ alkyl, --C(O)--O--C₁₋₆ alkylor benzoyl, b) --N(R³)₂ and where R³ is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl or phenyl which can be substituted with one to three F, Cl, OCH₃,OH, NH₂, or C₁₋₄ alkyl, or ##STR15## (where R⁷ is O, S, S(O), SO₂ orCH₂, wherein each occurrence of said C₁₋₆ alkyl may be substituted withone or more F, Cl, Br, I, OR¹, CO₂ R¹, CN, SR¹, or R¹ (where R¹ is ahydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl); X and Z are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂cycloalkyl or hydrogen: U, V and W are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, F, Cl,Br, hydrogen or a C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted with one or more of F, Cl, Bror I; R is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one or more F, Cl, Br, I or OH; and q is 0 to 4inclusive.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said compound isadministered in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 100 mg/kg of bodyweight/day.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said compound isadministered in an amount of from about 3.0 to about 50 mg/kg of bodyweight/day.